New Ice Age dawns for Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Council has chosen a development partner to build the next phase of its landmark International Sports Village (ISV) which will include a new twin pad ice arena, a 150m snow slope, a hotel, bars and restaurants.

The development of the new Waterfront site will be built in phases, with the new ice arena and ski slope programmed to be delivered first followed by a multi-storey car park, hotel, bars, restaurants, other sports and leisure facilities and sports-related retail.

The project will be developed by Helium Miracle 113 which was successful in the Council’s recent tender to build the scheme.

Design work is due to begin on the new ice arena immediately, with it set to be completed in time to accommodate all or most of the 2013/2014 ice hockey season. The whole project should be finished within five years.

Because of the commercial elements within this scheme the new ice rink, ski slope and leisure snow and ice facility, will be built with no capital funding contribution from the Council.

The International Sports Village site has been one of the Council's big success stories over the last few years and is one of the largest regeneration projects currently taking place in the UK. The news about the new phase has been warmly welcomed by snow and ice enthusiasts in Cardiff.

The area has been completely transformed and currently houses a 50-metre, international-standard swimming pool, an international White Water facility and a temporary ice rink. Remediation of the site, and infrastructure improvements including Pont y Werin and the bay walkway works have also been completed, together with new highways and services by a £37m investment on the site.

Cardiff Council Leader Rodney Berman said: " “The new twin pad rink with spectator seating, bars and cafeterias will be the new home for the Cardiff Devils. It will also be another cornerstone of the International Sports Village, which is key within the Council’s plans to further enhance Cardiff’s reputation as an international capital and a major tourist destination.

“The proposed snow facility is also a very exciting new project which will include both a 150m ski slope and a smaller 50m nursery slope. The creation of these high quality leisure development attractions will further add to a growing leisure offer that is befitting of a world-class capital city."

Paul Ragan owner and CEO of the Cardiff Devils said: "This is absolutely fabulous news for the Cardiff Devils, the Devils Community Foundation and future development of all Ice Sports throughout South Wales.

“It’s the news our passionate fans and growing junior section have been waiting for, confirmation that a twin pad ice rink will at last become a reality. This news will put Cardiff on the Ice Sports map throughout Europe, as we remain focused on becoming the dominant force in junior and Professional Ice Hockey at the Cardiff Devils.

“Huge credit must go to the Leader of the Council, the Chief Executive and his team at Cardiff Council for seeing this process through and we look forward to working closer with the tender winners."